Groundbreaking AI institute launched in South Africa BY SETH THORNE

[Nat Quinn]

The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) has launched the Machine Intelligence and Neural Discovery (MIND) Institute.

Launched concurrently with the new Wits Anglo American Digital Dome, it is set to focus on fundamental AI research to drive scientific discoveries and develop AI expertise in Africa.

This is in attempt to position the continent as a creator rather than merely a consumer of AI technologies.

Wits said that unlike many other institutes worldwide that concentrate on developing AI end-user applications, the Wits MIND Institute’s primary focus is on fundamental AI research – the foundational science behind artificial intelligence.

Benjamin Rosman, Director of the Wits MIND Institute and Professor in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics at Wits said that “when most institutions, particularly locally, talk about AI, they often focus on applications.”

“At the Wits MIND Institute, we care deeply about how we understand, and can advance, the fundamental science of AI itself to build the next generation of AI right here in South Africa,” said Rosman.

Its model emphasises interdisciplinary collaboration, with 34 experts from diverse fields selected for its inaugural Fellows Programme to drive its mission.

It will appoint new AI Research Chairs across its five faculties to translate fundamental research into practical applications.

“We are not trying to think outside the box, but rather to take a box, fill it with really smart people, shake it and see what happens,” said Rosman.

He added that “by creating a space for these cross-disciplinary interactions, the Wits MIND Institute aims to supercharge AI research in entirely new directions.”

Seat at the global AI table

Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Wits University, said that “Africa needs an institute like the Wits MIND Institute with a bold agenda to push future-shaping AI research and innovation.”

“By developing and deploying AI models and dictating policies that consider the culture and diversity of over one billion people on the continent, the Wits MIND Institute will ensure that Africa has a seat at the global AI table,” said Vilakazi.

The university said that one of the institute’s distinguishing features is its “commitment to studying intelligence holistically, bringing together insights from machine, human and animal intelligence.”

“We aren’t just focused on machine learning or neuroscience; we’re examining intelligence from every angle,” said Rosman.

Collaboration

The Wits MIND Institute said that it will collaborate with industry partners to develop and incubate groundbreaking technologies.

Dr Charity Wayua, Director at IBM Research Africa said that “our collaboration with the Wits MIND Institute underscores the importance of fundamental AI research that not only advances technology but also reflects Africa’s unique needs and values.”

“Together, we aim to accelerate innovation, foster local expertise, and ensure that AI contributes meaningfully to the social and economic transformation of Africa,” said Wayua.

Professor Lynn Morris, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Wits said that partnerships between universities and industries have proven to be pivotal in:

• Developing industry-specific innovation;

• Assessing risks posed by AI; and

• Training talent required by industry to develop, deploy and scale AI solutions.

“We are in discussion with several big tech companies and industries whose leaders are very excited about the possibilities that a partnership with Wits will bring, so, watch this space,” said Morris.

The Wits MIND Institute also explained that it also includes philosophers, ethicists, and policy experts “to address how AI will interface with society from an ethical and policy perspective.”

This is in hopes of shaping governance and ensuring that AI development is safe, inclusive, and beneficial.

“By engaging with policymakers across the continent, the Institute will contribute towards developing frameworks that ensure the ethical and responsible deployment of AI technologies,” said Morris.

“This means considering how to embed African values in AI systems, and how AI impacts society at large, ensuring that our research supports long-term, sustainable growth and development,” she added.

 

SOURCE:Groundbreaking AI institute launched in South Africa – BusinessTech

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